Pickle in the Middle @ Unley

Before setting up shop on Unley Road, you may have come across Pickle in the Middle at the Adelaide Central Market. Making the nation’s favourite lunch of the good old sandwich, their popularity soared leading to them opening their own cafe. It’s easy to spot this bright and cheery cafe with a bright yellow paint on the exterior setting it apart from its neighbours.

Yes it’s across from Nook Nosh….reflections….

So, it’s just another sandwich right? Wrong. They like to make everything they possibly can in house including their focaccia, gluten-free seed bread, juices, tonics and smoothies. That’s right, no bottled beverages (except beers and wines I suppose). I caught up with a friend for lunch here and we both incidentally ordered the exact same things. I see why we get along!

Corned Beef Sandwich $15

I will admit that it was a while ago and the menu may have changed slightly as the season has. I ordered a Corned Beef Sandwich which came with malted mustard, roast carrots, house made sauerkraut, cheesy bechamel and herb all stuffed in their house made focaccia. I appreciate the freshness and effort they go through to make things in house. The pickles were delicious, roast carrots were caramelized and the bread was fluffy. Yet put together as a sandwich, I didn’t enjoy it. There was too much bread and not enough filling or sauce, it left me wanting to drink a gulp of something with every bite so it doesn’t scratch my throat. I guess for $15 I also expected more meat, I found myself crunching mostly on carrots and tasting overpowering mustard. For me, I didn’t find it cheesy enough either. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing, maybe it was an off day as I’ve seen other people give great reviews.

I also ordered a Vietnamese Iced Coffee ($6.50) to go with it which was yum. $6.50 however is a bit steep for that. I did peruse the rest of the menu. Their breakfast menu is more impressive with pancakes, beans, salmon, eggs, granola and all. It’s available all day so fret not. Their lunch menu also has a salad item and a bowl item which perhaps might have been more suited to my taste. Unfortunately it wasn’t my day at Pickle in the Middle I guess.